Get Involved!

Get up, Stand up!

Congratulations on taking the first step towards standing up against the development of dirty coal in your neighborhood! Since approaches to activism vary depending on the activists and the specific issue at hand, this page will provide a general sense of some effective tactics in standing up against the development of coal, and contact information for people and groups all over the West who are already standing up for their beliefs.

Use this page in whatever way works best for you. Whether you are looking for a local or regional group to join or want to start your own new group to fight coal, we hope that this page can help give you some guidance.

Two Ways to Battle Big Coal

There are generally two methods that are useful in stopping coal plants – the proactive method and the reactive method. The proactive method involves organizing yourself and your community before a coal plant is even on the drawing board. You can lobby your local, state and federal representatives and educate the general public about the economic and environmental benefits of using renewable energy and energy efficiency measures instead of building coal plants. The reactive method involves multiple avenues to fight a coal plant. Educate the members of your community where the proposed coal plant will be built. Know and participate in the permit process. Alert the media through press conferences, letters-to-the-editor and public service announcements. Create opportunities for active public participation. Each method is important, and it is often necessary or best to use both.

Clean Energy Links

Western Clean Energy Campaign

Green Power